By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, Nov. 09, GNA – Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, Minister for Sports and Recreation, has called on Ghanaians, particularly football fans in the Western and Central Regions, to throw their full support behind the Black Stars as they prepare for a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Somalia.
Ghana would host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12, before facing the same opponents in the reverse fixture on Monday, November 16 at the same venue.
The Sports Minister expressed confidence in the team’s ability to turn around its fortunes despite a difficult start to the qualifying campaign, which has left Ghana without a point after defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
Speaking in an interview with GNA Sports ahead of the two matches, Mr Adams said the players were disappointed with the team’s current position and were determined to restore confidence among supporters.
“The players themselves are not happy about the position the team finds itself in at the moment. You can see from the response and the number of players reporting to camp that there is commitment within the team,” he said.
The Minister said he expected the Black Stars to secure maximum points from the two matches against Somalia and urged supporters to play their part by turning up in large numbers at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi.
“I believe that the next two games that we have in this window, we should be able to get all the points that are available. I want to urge Ghanaians, especially the fans in the Western and Central Regions, that the game is returning to them after a long break.
“They were there to support the Black Queens and I believe that more numbers should step out to support the Black Stars also because they need that. They need our continuous support and our prayers,” he said.
Mr Adams expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere in the camp and the attitude of the players ahead of the vital encounters.
“I believe that the energy in the team is quite good. We have been engaging with them and I like the psychology of the individual players. I believe the technical team and management should be able to put them in the collective spirit needed for the game,” he stated.
The Minister added that he had played his role in motivating the team and expected the technical handlers to deliver on the pitch.
“As Minister, I have done what I am supposed to do. I want to leave the rest for the technical people to also perform their responsibilities,” he noted.
The Black Stars received a significant boost with interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren naming a 26-man squad that includes the return of captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Mohammed Salisu and Alidu Seidu.
The first match is scheduled to kick-off at 3:00 p.m on Thursday.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
Email: [email protected]